by Allanah Leahy – EM TV Online
Rescue teams from Manila’s local level government in the Philippines competed in a disaster response competition.
Participants were judged on their teamwork, speed, precision and technical knowledge. Rescuers competed in certain disaster-related scenarios that included the removal of debris from collapsed infrastructures and rescuing trapped victims.
The competition was a means for the local government to review and improve on the current disaster response units.
“It highlights the local government unit’s skills and proficiency in so far as responding to a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that would result in collapsed structures. It will also highlight the gaps and loopholes needed that will eventually lead to the upgrade of their skills,” said Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino.
The Philippines, have been preparing in anticipation of a major earthquake, due to a geographical fault line through the nation’s capital of Manila, which has not shifted for nearly 400 years. The Philippines were hit with a 7.2 magnitude quake in 2013, resulting in 200 deaths, with over 14,000 houses destroyed.
“This is serious because what we are doing is part of our preparation to save lives in the case of any unforeseen calamity,” said Malabon Disaster Rescue Unit Team Leader Raymond San Juan.
Source: Reuters
https://youtube.com/watch?v=cXBP9v1dVYs%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
